In brief
Marriage, divorce and separation are all events which require
you to change your Will.
Marriage
If you marry it is imperative that you make a new Will.
If you marry after you have made a Will, the Will is
automatically revoked (or cancelled). The only exception to this
rule is if the Will is made in contemplation of marriage. If you
are planning to marry in the near future and you wish to have a
Will made in contemplation of marriage, you should obtain legal
advice from your solicitor.
In New South Wales, recent changes to intestacy laws, which deal
with dying without a Will, now mean that on your death your spouse
is entitled to the whole of your Estate. This is the case even if
you have children with your surviving spouse. If it is not your
intention that your entire Estate passes to your spouse on your
death, you must have a Will in place. (For more information on the
changes to intestacy laws in NSW, please see our earlier article,
Dying
